Tony Stewart Pulls Out Of NASCAR Race After Deadly Accident

Following the deadly crash that killed driver Kevin Ward Jr., NASCAR driver Tony Stewart will not race at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 10, a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.

Just one day after Tony Stewart, 43, accidentally hit and killed fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr., 20, during a dirt-track race, Tony has to decide whether or not he will be racing at Watkins Glen International for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen. A source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that Tony is being “urged” not to race at the Aug. 10 event and is “very shaken” over the terrible accident.

Tony Stewart Not Racing At Watkins Glen International Following Accident

A source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that Tony is planning on NOT racing at the Aug. 10 race at Watkins Glen International following the tragic Aug. 9 event.

“Out of respect to the incident and the death and the ongoing investigation Tony Stewart is being urged not to race by Nascar officials on Sunday and has currently made the decision that he will not race,” our source revealed. “He is very shaken over the incident.”

20-year-old driver Kevin stepped out of his car after it hit the side wall due to Tony’s car and wanted to “yell” at Tony for causing the crash, an eyewitness detailed. However, he was unintentionally hurtled by Tony’s car across the track moments later. A graphic video shows the entire series of events go down. Kevin was later pronounced dead from injuries he suffered in the crash, CBS News reports.

Driver Regan Smith, 30, will take Tony’s place in the car, the outlet also reports.

Tony Stewart Will Not Face Criminal Charges After ‘Tragic’ Accident

Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero announced that the investigation over the accident involving Tony and Kevin is not criminal, CBS News reports.

“This is right now being investigated as an on-track crash and I don’t want to infer that there are criminal charges pending,” Philip said, according to CBS News. “When the investigation is completed, we will sit down with the district attorney and review it. But I want to make it very clear: there are no criminal charges pending at this time.”

Kevin’s aunt, Wendi Ward, wrote a long Facebook message on Aug. 10 and slammed Tony. She wrote that Tony was “d–k!” Many members of Kevin’s family honored Kevin with custom-made T-shirts in a Facebook post on Aug. 10.

NASCAR released a statement about the accident on Aug. 10, according to ESPN:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and fellow competitors of Kevin Ward Jr. We support Tony Stewart’s decision to miss today’s race and we will continue to respect the process and timeline of the local authorities and will continue to monitor this situation moving forward.”

Here is the video of the Aug. 9 crash. WARNING: The contents of the video are graphic.

Our thoughts and prayers also go out to Kevin’s loved ones during this difficult time.

View Comment

Markat

Posted at 1:52 PM on August 11, 2014

Does anyone really believe that it was Tony’s intent to hurt someone on the track? I’ve seen Tony throw his helmet. Specifically at Matt Kenseth while Matt was in his RACE car. If I remember correctly, that was a gesture of frustration not an attempt to hurt Matt. I’m so sorry for everyone but all racers know racing is a dangerous sport. Don’t forget that. As far as racing sprint cars it’s probably true the other drivers get pumped when a NASCAR star races with them. Maybe too pumped and they get out of their vehicle.

Grow up people. his was a tragic accident. Why do you feel you can hurt and bully people? This guy will NEVER be the same EVER! How sad that anybody would think his was done on purpose. God bless all involved. Sad. That’s all.

So hitting Kevin Ward Jr so hard it made him swerve and ended the race for him wasn’t good enough so Tony ran him over and killed him? That’s what it looks like happened here to me. Two hot heads with deadly weapons and one used it against the other.

But one guy swerved to avoid Kevin and the other guy (Tony) swerved TOWARDS him out of anger. People who were there said it looked intentional. I guess we will find out after the investigation is completed. It seems odd that the same car that knocked him out of the race is the car that hit and killed him.

Share this comment at

Larry

Posted at 10:36 AM on August 11, 2014

Your right, he should not have gotten out of the car, BUT is that a justification for road rage From a guy that is known for for a horrible temper! I can’t imagine he meant to kill the young man, but I do believe he wanted to bump or graze him to teach him a lesson! I was not there, but the fans at the track, tony steward and GOD knows What happened. In short the life of a 20 year old young man who made a foolish mistake is no longer with us because a self righteous arrogant PRICK with a bad temper thought he would teach this young guy a lesson. My hope is that ward was a Christian if so he is in a much better place! Thoughts and prayers to the ward family! As far as tony steward yes he deserves our prayers as we’ll. bad temper’s and weapons are a BAD combination!